draaimotief
Draaimotief is a term used in Dutch-language literary and film criticism to describe a motif that operates by turning or rotating around a central issue, clue, or identity. Rather than following a straight, chronological progression, a draaimotief shifts the perspective, revisits earlier scenes, or reframes information so that what was previously understood is altered when viewed from a new angle. The result is a sense of circular motion in the narrative, often accompanied by a twist or reevaluation of prior events.
Etymology: the word combines draaien, meaning to turn, with motief, meaning motif. It conveys both physical rotation
In practice, a draaimotief can appear in literature, film, and visual media. Common implementations include non-linear
Relation to other concepts: it is related to but distinct from a simple plot twist or a
See also: plot device, twist, leitmotif, circular narrative, unreliable narrator.